ONE thing that has really impressed me over the past year is the emergence of some fantastic new young bands in Sefton.

I’ve written many times in 2011 about the tremendous talent and positive attitude of bands such as Southport rockers Slick Cupid, The Smitten Ones, Side Show, Addicted, Tongue Tied, Don’t Anger Dave, Beauty and the Bear, The Theory of the Fall and Loveless. They are the future and I have every confidence in all of them.

But I’ve also been very impressed with our really new bands such as White China. These three lads (students at Merchant Taylors’ School in Crosby) had their first gig ever at the Shakespeare in Southport earlier this year and were so encouraged by the response that they’re busy writing new songs for next year.

And just a few weeks ago I was invited to the rehearsals of new metal band Chaotic Shadow at the recording studio attached to Meols Cop Youth Centre. Again these lads are full of enthusiasm and determination.